boric acid for vaginal yeast infection
overview
some experts recommend boric acid capsules inserted into the vagina (vaginal suppositories) as a treatment option for vaginal yeast infections, particularly infections that can't be cured by antifungal yeast infection medicines.footnote 1
if your doctor recommends boric acid treatment, you can buy boric acid vaginal capsules without a prescription at drug stores. the amount of boric acid needed and how long you use it depends on the type of infection you have. follow the instructions on the package.
you may find it easier to use boric acid capsules at bedtime. if you are pregnant, do not use vaginal boric acid treatment.
how well does it work?
more research is needed to find out how well boric acid works. symptoms return in some women. check with your doctor to see if you need to continue using boric acid over several months to relieve your symptoms.footnote 2
how safe is it?
when used in capsules as a vaginal suppository, boric acid is only known to sometimes cause skin irritation. but when used by mouth (internally), on open wounds, or by children, boric acid is toxic. keep boric acid out of the reach of children. boric acid is not safe to use if you are pregnant.
references
citations
- expert working group on canadian guidelines for sexually transmitted infections (2013). canadian guidelines on sexually transmitted infections: section 4—management and treatment of specific syndromes. public health agency of canada. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/sti-its/cgsti-ldcits/section-4-8-eng.php. accessed may 22, 2015.
- centers for disease control and prevention (2015). sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. mmwr, 64(rr-03): 1–137. http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015. accessed july 2, 2015. [erratum in mmwr, 64(33): 924. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6433a9.htm?s_cid=mm6433a9_w. accessed january 25, 2016.]
credits
current as of: october 24, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: october 24, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
expert working group on canadian guidelines for sexually transmitted infections (2013). canadian guidelines on sexually transmitted infections: section 4—management and treatment of specific syndromes. public health agency of canada. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/sti-its/cgsti-ldcits/section-4-8-eng.php. accessed may 22, 2015.
centers for disease control and prevention (2015). sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. mmwr, 64(rr-03): 1–137. http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015. accessed july 2, 2015. [erratum in mmwr, 64(33): 924. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6433a9.htm?s_cid=mm6433a9_w. accessed january 25, 2016.]
